A Woman's Handbook to Budget-Friendly Solo Travel in Southern Italy: My 5 Tips

Ciao bella, and welcome to your guide to an unforgettable, budget-friendly solo travel in Southern Italy. I'm here to share insights from my personal journeys across the vibrant Sardinia, sun-soaked Sicily, and the beach haven of Puglia, all without breaking the bank.

In this guide, you'll find practical tips for planning your trip, securing affordable yet safe accommodations, mastering local transportation, and discovering delicious, and economical Italian meals. 

Essential safety advice for solo female travellers is also included. 

Are you ready to experience la dolce vita in Southern Italy? Keep reading!

Southern Italy Must-See Places: Sardinia, Sicily, and Puglia

Let's kick off this guide to budget-friendly solo travel in Southern Italy by introducing the three top destinations - Sardinia, Sicily (or Sicilia) and Apulia (or Puglia).

• Sardinia: This charming Italian island is known for its pristine white beaches, clear and turquoise waters, and rugged mountainous interior. 

Cagliari, Sardinia

Overall, Sardinia offers visitors the quintessential Mediterranean experience. My time here was like living in a postcard – it really is that beautiful, even without the Insta filters! 

Sardinia

I'll need to go back though and preferably rent a car - five days are not enough, and the public transportation isn't convenient. City visited: Cagliari.

• Sicily: The wild child of Italy, Sicily will enchant you with its blend of cultures, dramatic landscapes (and ultra-dramatic, full-of-life locals) and culinary delights - the arancini being a personal favourite!

Me in Taormina, Sicily

Its intoxicating mix of history and vibrant street life made my stay an unforgettable and highly versatile experience. The Sicilian spirit, passionate and unpretentious, is something that sets Sicilia apart from other places in Italy. Cities visited: Palermo, Catania, Syracuse, Noto, Taormina.

• Puglia: Puglia, the heel of Italy's boot, is a charm-ridden region adorned with whitewashed towns, centuries-old farmland, and a lengthy coastline. Most importantly, Puglia (or the English variant "Apuglia") boasts some of Italy's best beaches. 

Polignano a Mare in Puglia

The only drawback I have when it came to travelling to Puglia solo is that I often felt lonely. Why? Well, it's because I'd recommend this region to people travelling with best friends and their partners. 

It's calm, idyllic, and extremely ROMANTIC. Cities visited: Bari, Lecce, Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, Otranto, Gallipoli.

Top Five Budget-Friendly Tips for Solo Travel in Southern Italy

Budgeting is an essential part of any travel plan. While booking a flight and exploring the world as a solo female traveller has its perks (such as growing as a person), the costs can quickly add up! 

Here are my top five tips for solo travel in Southern Italy, focusing on how you can save money and still have a fabulous time.

1. Choose the Right Time to Go to South Italy

One of the key ways to save money while solo travelling to Southern Italy is to avoid going during the high season, typically June, July, and August. 

During these hot summer months, prices for accommodations and flights can skyrocket due to high demand. Instead, consider travelling to the South of Italy during the shoulder seasons (which is spring or fall). 

Not only will you avoid the brunt of the tourist crowds, but you'll also enjoy milder weather, cheaper accommodations, and more flexibility with your itinerary.

2. Smart Accommodation Choices: Hostels for Solo Travellers

Look for budget-friendly options like hostels, guesthouses, or B&Bs. Renting an apartment or a room through platforms like Airbnb can also save you money, especially for longer stays.

Are you looking for budget-friendly accommodations in Southern Italy? 

I've got the perfect list for you. I've personally stayed in each one, and while they all have their unique perks and quirks, they all added to my unforgettable adventure in Southern Italy.

• Sardinia - Biddanoa Bed and Breakfast

Even though it was high season and I paid €216 for five nights, I enjoyed my stay. It was neat, comfy, and had a kitchen stocked with bread, jams, and cereals. 

The only thing I missed was a bit of protein at breakfast. Nevertheless, I always have some boiled eggs on hand!

• Palermo - Couchsurfing

Using the Couchsurfing app in Palermo was a wonderful experience. Alessandro, a local from Palermo and his friends were amazing!

• Catania - Casa Verdi - House of Travelers

I stayed here for seven nights and paid €175. It had a friendly community vibe but could use a bit of sprucing up. The neighbourhood had character (the famous fish market is right on the corner), though it was a bit on the edgier side.

• Catania - Ostello degli Elefanti

I paid €58 for two nights and loved being right in the heart of Catania. However, be ready for a bustling atmosphere due to its popular location.

• Siracusa - LoL Hostel

This place is a hidden gem in Siracusa! For €75 over three nights, I enjoyed a clean, quiet space with a well-equipped kitchen and a comfy bed - perfect for resting up or getting some remote work done.

• Lecce - Lobby Collective Hostel

For four nights, I paid €83. The staff were lovely, the breakfast was delicious, and the common areas were clean. They even had a serene reading room. It was a bit of a walk from the centre, but I enjoyed getting some extra steps in (got to keep the balance with all the gelato and pizza I had!).

• Bari - Couchsurfing

Yet again, Couchsurfing proved to be an amazing and budget-friendly choice. Bacco, a Tunisian living in Puglia almost his entire life helped me get acquainted with the city.

• Gallipoli - B&B Carra City Gallipoli

A little luxury felt perfect for my stay in Gallipoli. This B&B had it all - a fantastic breakfast, a gym, friendly staff, and a comfy air-conditioned room. It's a bit of a walk from the centre, but I didn't mind the extra steps.

Each of these places offers something unique and they're all budget-friendly. So, if you are planning your budget-friendly solo travel in Southern Italy, put these spots on your list!

3. Local Cuisine: Taste Affordable Italian Food

Take advantage of Southern Italy's vibrant food culture. Skip the touristy restaurants and opt for humble trattorias or street food vendors. 

Tasty Food in Catania, Sicily

In Sicily, I highly recommend trying an arancina or arancino (depending where you are, in Palermo, these fried rice balls filled with ragu are "feminine", while the people in Catania call it by its masculine version).

4. Public Transportation: Walking and Taking a Bus is Best

Italy's public transportation system is robust and can take you almost anywhere you want to go. Take advantage of local buses, trams, and trains instead of taxis or rental cars to significantly reduce your travel costs. Check the trenitalia website for more info!

5. Sightsee for Free: Budget-Friendly Solo Travel Hack

Many cities and towns in Southern Italy offer free or inexpensive attractions. From churches and public parks to local markets and festivals, there's always something to explore without spending a fortune.

I also recommend going on free walking tours. While these aren't technically "free" (because when it's over, a small donation is preferred, somewhere from five to 10 euros). Nevertheless, that's cheaper than booking a professional tour!

Wrapping It Up

There you have it, my solo female travellers on a budget! Five savvy ways to explore magical Southern Italy on a budget without missing out on any of the fun. Don't wait, book a flight to the land of pizza and pasta, and start planning your first budget-friendly solo travel in Southern Italy!